BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ----- UAB running back Darrin Reaves will forgo his senior season and enter his name in the 2014 NFL Draft.

Reaves, who ranks No. 3 all-time at UAB in career rushing yards with 2,337, said he had given much thought to his decision to pass up his final season of collegiate eligibility.

"I feel like I am ready to take the next step in my life," Reaves said. "This is something I've been thinking about for a long time. I went to church and the pastor said, `to start new adventures and be strong and courageous and to follow God's plan.'

"I feel like playing in the NFL is part of God's plan. I talked to my family a lot about this and came to my decision to put my name in for the draft.

"I want to thank all the coaches I have had over my three years at UAB, and also want to thank (Athletic Director) Brian Mackin, for allowing me the chance to play at a great university," Reaves said. "It has been a blessing and a great experience to play for my hometown team in Birmingham, but now I feel like it's time to take another step in my career."

Reaves, who played at nearby Clay-Chalkville High School, earned first-team All-Conference USA honors as a sophomore in 2012 when he rushed for 1,037 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was named to the Watch List for the 2013 Doak Walker Award prior to the season.

Entering his junior season in 2013 as the only running back in the nation to rush for more than 1,000 yards and record more than 40 receptions a year earlier, Reaves finished with 928 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground.

Reaves, who will remain enrolled at UAB while he prepares for the draft, finished with 30 career touchdowns (27 rushing, 3 receiving) and is No. 5 on the UAB career list for points with 180. He averaged more than 1,000 all-purpose yards per season during his career and finished with 3,048 overall in his Blazer career.